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| Hannah Elizabeth Wilson |
By Hannah Elizabeth Wilson, Class of 2017
“Rhythm and harmony most of all insinuate
themselves into the inmost part of the soul and most vigorously lay hold of it
in bringing grace with them; and they make a man graceful if he is correctly
reared, if not, the opposite.”
Upon delving into a semester long
study of Plato’s classic work, The
Republic, I discovered this profound claim about something I love very
much: music. Depending on where you are,
while you read this blog you can likely hear the rumble of car engines, the hum
of an air unit, or the dinging of fax machines and telephones. The drone compels many to immerse themselves
in music, arguably impairing long-term motivation and intellectual
prosperity. Though I have no disdain for
those who stay “plugged in,” I do fear the consequences this behavior can have.
Allan Bloom, author of The Closing of the American Mind, warns
of these implications. “Nothing is more
singular about this generation than its addiction to music. This is the age of music and the states of
soul that accompany it. When [today’s young people] are in school and with
their families, they are longing to plug themselves back into their music. Nothing surrounding them—school, family,
church—has anything to do with their musical world.” Music is a key player in shaping popular culture,
and stretches to reach those across the entire spectrum of age. It isn’t uncommon to see 3-year-olds rap
lyrics to Tupac songs. Simultaneously,
America’s Got Talent reveals octogenarians dancing to Lady Gaga and Nicki
Minaj. What’s more is the power held by
music giants, and to what level of responsibility do when hold them for the
degradation of character and progress?
Aside from the mental and emotional
repercussions of constant music, we are also presented with a moral
concern. Plato, in the previous quote,
begins his argument that music latches itself inside one’s soul, either
destroying it or fostering reason and discernment within. The issue is now
whether or not the type of music has an effect on our values, behaviors, and
sense of humanity. It’s a “chicken or
egg” scenario. Is rap the perpetrator of
the “thug life” culture? Did The Black
Keys, Passion Pit, and Bon Iver birth a new generation of “hipsters?” Is Elvis really to blame for parental
consternation in the 50s and 60s? At
what point in history does the corruption take place, and what kinds of music
should be censored in order to better our society? Moreover, is this even possible?
Studying Plato is not for the faint
at heart. Music, I discovered, is not
the only aspect of life he has to critique.
I often met the pages of The
Republic with indignation and questioning.
Could my musical taste foretell my future? More importantly, could a revision of
interest result in a more profitable lifestyle?
My “Top 50 Most Played” playlist on
iTunes reveals a wide array of artists, styles, and themes. Frequents on the list include Brandi Carlile,
John Mayer, Nat King Cole, Ray LaMontagne, and Patsy Cline. I’m not sure what Plato would have to say
about this lineup. But I’m hoping he would
look at me favorably. I’ve fought with
him all semester.
Hannah Wilson, of Bradfordsville, Ky., is a freshman McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville. She is studying political science.